PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Anyone who has adopted a child or participated in fertility treatment is painfully aware of the steep costs involved. Many couples are coming up with creative ways to finance the building of their families. KYW Newsradio sought out several local experts who offer a variety of options those facing fertility issues may not have thought of.

Adoptions From the Heart Caseworker Michaelina Bendig reminds couples the federal adoption tax credit will help offset the cost.

“They’ve held bake sales,” she says. “and spaghetti dinners”

Bendig says these ideas provide as much emotional support as they do financial, and the prospective parents are grateful. Becky Fawcett of helpusadopt.org has walked in their shoes.

“It took me nine years to have my two beautiful children,” she says.

Fawcett and her husband started the non-profit organization that gives grants to folks looking to adopt.

“There are people out there who need to be parents,” Fawcett says, “and they can’t afford the lump sum associated with adoption.”

For those opting for InVitro Fertilization, Bruce Goldstein Chief Operating Officer Reproductive Associates of Philadelphia, says they offer discounted packages, there are drug discounts available, and for one lucky patient…

“we actually gave away a number of free IVF cycles,” Goldstein says. “We held a raffle. She won that raffle.”

All caution prospective parents to carefully research their options and the organizations in this emotional time as the potential for fraud does exist, and they don’t want it to happen to you.

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